Luke 9:46-50 NASB
[46] An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. [47] But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, [48] and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.” [49] John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” [50] But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.”

Dear God, my thought when I read this was, Oh, John, don’t try so hard to impress him.

There were times when Jesus was impressed by people, but rarely were they trying to impress him at the time. The faith of the centurion impressed him. I recently read the passage about the scribe who asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was. Jesus told him he wasn’t far from your kingdom. But in this case, if the story played out as Luke describes, John’s telling Jesus about the guy they rebuked is a response to Jesus getting onto them about who is the greatest. It’s almost like John missed the whole lesson of what Jesus said about being humble and serving. He was too focused on Jesus being impressed.

Of course, I can fall into this trap. I really want people to be impressed with me. I always have. Is that a need to please? No, I think it’s more an insecurity that’s buried down there within me that needs the approval of others to be quenched. But then it’s never really quenched.

Father, help be to serve without needing to use my service for recognition and adulation. Help me to welcome all and to be willing to sacrifice my own ego and comfort for someone to whom you are calling me to serve. Give me insight and discernment. Give me ears to hear. And I am sorry for the self pity that often drives me into selfishness and neediness.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen